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The peace in Line drawing

Updated: Feb 10, 2022


As a child, one of the first things that were taught to us was to draw a line. Drawing a perfectly straight line or a beautiful curve held so much importance and is one of the first milestones we achieved as a kid. Did you know, a perfect line holds a lot of importance for artists? well, now you certainly will, after knowing about a completely new art form of line drawing!




WHAT IS LINE ART?


Line drawing or line art can be explained in a simplified way by saying that it is a form of art made out of symmetry of lines, straight or curved, depending upon the pattern being followed. The use of a single color is more prominent than the use of multiple colors, still, they may be used in some artworks exceptionally. It can be used to represent two-dimensional or even three-dimensional objects, by differentiating in the techniques. Cartoon making, caricature art and illustrations are quite closely related to this form of art. However, shading and shadow effects are not necessarily a part of this form of art as it mainly focuses on expressions of distinct lines and curves.



TYPES OF LINE ART


  • BLIND CONTOUR DRAWING

This is one of the most intriguing types of line art. As the name suggests, in blind

contour drawing, you cannot see. Sound surprising, doesn't it? But it is the actual

test of not just your artistic skills and focusing capabilities, but also how deeply

and soulfully you feel about art. It helps one develop the sense of observing an

artwork so closely and in such minute details that one needn't look up, the hands

develop the sense too. It is a very difficult practice and takes years of training and

practice for the perfect art.

  • GESTURE DRAWING

Also called movement drawing or timed art, this is the type of artwork which

ends in seconds and hence, is obviously fast-paced. Fast, impulsive lines are

drawn so as to match the imagination in your mind. But, by impulsive, it does not

mean random at all. This is where a true artist's skills come in limelight, when, in a

few seconds, a masterpiece is created with just some fast-paced strokes. This

type of line drawing also helps in noticing minute corners in a short span of time.

  • CONTINUOUS DRAWING

This sounds quite similar to gesture drawing, but it has varied differences. The

primary feature, or rather, condition of this type of line art is that one is not

supposed to lift up the drawing instrument before the drawing is complete. This

is one of the most challenging art forms but it has a peaceful and soothing side

of its own. It is also therapeutic to let your hands and fingers flow in directions they

choose spontaneously.





  • CROSS CONTOUR DRAWING

Cross contour drawing is the type of line art where lines run parallel across each

other from a distinct point, forming a pattern, shape or figure. The point from

which the lines arise might be central or anywhere else depending upon the

artist's wish. This practice can contribute a lot in building hand strength and

control. This is also a type of art form which is used to create three-dimensional

drawings.

  • PLANAR ANALYSIS ART

This art type can be called, metaphorically, the x-ray of art references. Geometric

drawings, cubism and abstract art can be very closely related with this. The basic

concept behind this type of artwork is explaining the in and outs of a three

dimensional reference into a flat plane surface with the help of lines. This helps a

great deal in developing a better understanding about viewing art from different

perspectives.



FAMOUS NAMES IN LINE ARTISTRY

  • PABLO PICASSO

  • ANDY WARHOL

  • DAVID HOCKNEY

  • LEONARDO DA VINCI

  • AARON EARLEY

  • PETER ROOT

  • MAURIZIO ANZERI

So what are you waiting for, artistic minds? Grab your instruments, all it takes is just a few strokes, or maybe, just one!






















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